A Gift that Builds Belonging: The First Gen Success Network

As we begin the spring semester, we are seeing the meaningful impact of the First Gen Success Network—launched in fall 2025 through the generosity of Miekeleen Hart, ’79 BSPh—on the engagement of our first‑generation pharmacy students. The First Gen Success Network is a comprehensive initiative designed to advance student success, foster belonging, and promote long‑term academic persistence.

Approximately 20% of our PharmD students identify as first generation, and we recognize that these students often navigate unique challenges as they pursue their professional education. Ms. Hart’s gift allows us to intentionally support these learners through three core areas: expansion of peer academic support, provision of scholarship assistance, and development of targeted educational and community‑building programming.

The First Gen Success Network is led by Cindy Sanoski, associate dean of student affairs, and Tammy Fraser, director of student success, whose leadership ensures the program is thoughtfully integrated into our broader student-success infrastructure.

As part of the peer academic support component, more than 20 pharmacy student tutors have been recruited and trained to support first‑generation learners through individual and small‑group engagement. During the program’s first semester in fall 2025, nearly 60% of first‑generation students participated in peer academic support, demonstrating both strong need and interest.

In addition, the First Gen Success Network created two student leadership positions to guide the development and implementation of educational programming. Following a competitive application and interview process, Isabele Raveling and Katlyn Zawojski were selected to serve as student leaders for spring 2026. They are charged with developing programming for incoming first‑generation students during Engagement Week in August, and designing an initiative that will lay the foundation for a sustained, community‑focused program to be launched in fall 2026. In recognition of their leadership and service, these student leaders received scholarships, further reinforcing academic persistence and success.

The First Gen Success Network reflects our college’s commitment to inclusive excellence and to ensuring that every student has the resources, mentorship, and community needed to thrive. We are profoundly thankful to Ms. Hart for her generosity and partnership in helping make this vision a reality.